No. 2 Vanderbilt Rallies Past No. 8 Alabama Soccer 2-1, Remains Unbeaten in SEC Showdown

Kiley Kukan scores early for the Crimson Tide, but Megan Hinnenkamp's second-half winner lifts the Commodores in a top-10 Southeastern Conference matchup.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. | No. 2 Vanderbilt rallied from an early deficit to defeat No. 8 Alabama 2-1 Sunday night at Alabama Soccer Stadium, preserving its unbeaten record in a Southeastern Conference showdown between two nationally ranked programs.

The Crimson Tide (13-3-0, 6-2-0 SEC) struck first in the 19th minute when Kiley Kukan converted a long pass from Melina Rebimbas, firing a shot into the net to give Alabama a 1-0 advantage.

Vanderbilt (14-0-1, 7-0-1) responded just before halftime. Courtney Jones converted a penalty kick in the 44th minute after the Commodores drew a foul inside the box, sending the teams into the break tied at 1.

The decisive moment came in the 65th minute when Megan Hinnenkamp scored to put Vanderbilt ahead 2-1. The Commodores protected their narrow lead despite Alabama's late offensive pressure.

Alabama coach Wes Hart praised his team's effort against one of the nation's top programs.

"We ran into a good team today. I thought we played well, I was not disappointed," Hart said. "I thought our effort was fantastic. All the way until that final whistle we were pressing them."

The Crimson Tide generated opportunities to equalize in the closing minutes, including chances for Rebimbas and Larkin, but could not break through Vanderbilt's defense.

Hart acknowledged that second-half turnovers contributed to Vanderbilt's attacking opportunities, although he credited Alabama for its response.

"Vanderbilt is an excellent team. There is a reason why they are undefeated — very solid, very organized and very stingy defensively," Hart said.

Kukan's goal was her second of the season, with both coming against SEC opponents. She previously scored the game-winner against Texas A&M on Sept. 24.

Rebimbas recorded her team-leading ninth assist of the season on Kukan's opening goal, continuing her role as one of Alabama's primary offensive playmakers.

For Vanderbilt, the victory extended its unbeaten start to 15 matches and strengthened its position in the SEC standings.

Despite the setback, Alabama remained 6-2 in conference play and continued to demonstrate its ability to compete against nationally ranked opposition.

The Crimson Tide will look to rebound in its regular-season home finale against Tennessee.

Alabama hosts Tennessee on Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. CDT at Alabama Soccer Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

======

-- By Ana Cintron-Thomas

© Copyright 2026 JWT Communications. All rights reserved. This article cannot be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten, or distributed in any form without written permission.